Winds topple 40-foot National Christmas Tree outside White House; video shows crane raising it upright
The National Christmas Tree in front of the White House is standing upright again after gusty winds toppled it Tuesday.
The National Park Service said the tree fell over around 5 p.m. following a strong wind gust. The 40-foot Norway spruce from Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia is located on the Ellipse of the White House.
“After assessing the tree’s condition and replacing a snapped cable, the tree is now upright as of 6 p.m.," a spokesperson said in a statement to the Washington Post.
The National Weather Service in Baltimore-Washington warned of a winter weather advisory on Tuesday, with accumulating snow and wind gusts up to 45 mph. Washington D.C. and other areas of the country have experienced significant chills this week, as a cold blast moved south from the Arctic, bringing the coldest weather since March.
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When is the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony?
The official ceremony and tree lighting is set for Thursday, Nov. 30.
The event will be hosted by Mickey Guyton and will feature performances by the United States Coast Guard’s Guardians Big Band, Darren Criss, Samara Joy, Ledisi, Reneé Rapp, St. Vincent, Joe Walsh and Dionne Warwick.
First Lady Jill Biden revealed the seasonal and holiday decorations inside the White House on Monday, themed around The "Magic, Wonder and Joy" of the Holidays.